Overview FiiO Q5s — when there is no limit to perfection

FiiO Q5s — a worthy upgrade amplifier-flagship

A few years ago, FiiO has announced its top-end portable DAC, but only at the beginning of last year FiiO Q5 finally saw the light. How long before that it was the redesign, coordination, and different concepts, but in the end the device did not disappoint — the output was sufficiently serious mobile DAC with two AK4490EN and fully balanced scheme. And the manufacturer decided not to stop submitting in March of this year at a special event in China superior DAC-amp FiiO .

Some would call this a cosmetic upgrade (and we all know that Apple assigns the letter "s" intermediate models of iPhones), but in the case of FiiO we have a really new device with modern electronic filling. DAC is based on two flagship chips AK4493, is responsible for the USB chip XUF 208. Here are able to receive the signal with parameters to 768 kHz (PCM) and DSD 512 (FiiO Q5 supports DSD256).

For the wireless part is CSR8675 Qualcomm, which is able to decode the audio settings to 24 bit. Not without the support of all existing High Resolution codecs : aptX, HD aptX, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA and AAC. By the way, is here have Bluetooth 4.2 Bluetooth 5.0: the past generation of players is also in theory was supported by the fifth generation of this technology, FiiO and even provided the ability to update the firmware of the wireless module, but much better when it works out of the box.

Looks like silver ingot (actually aluminum)

Above the amplifier to work too — to replace AM3A came AM3E, which is built on a balanced scheme, and has excellent acoustic characteristics. The player is equipped with both a regular output connector 3.5 mm mini-jack and balanced outputs 4.4 and 2.5 mm. to "Finish" in FiiO decided impressive battery life (more on this later) and a rich equipment along with expensive stylish design.

Above the amplifier to work too — to replace AM3A came AM3E

specifications

the

the
• DAC: 2 × AK4493
the
• USB interface: XMOS XUF208
the
• Bluetooth: CSR8675
the
• OU: OPA1642×2, AD8620+OPA926
the
• Max resolution: up to 768 kHz/32 bit, DSD up to DSD512
the
• Inputs: line in/coaxial/optical/USB
the
• Outputs: 2.5 mm/3.5 mm/4.4 mm/linear
the
• Battery: 3800 mAh
the
• hours on a single charge:25 hours in the extender mode, 8 h in DAC mode
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• Bluetooth: 5.0 support aptX, HD aptX, aptX LL, LDAC, and HWA AAC
the
• Weight: 198 g
the
• Dimensions: 124 mm × 64 mm × 15 mm

the

line out

the

the
• frequency Range: 6 Hz ~ 80 kHz
the
• Total harmonic distortion+noise: less than 0.001% @ 1 kHz
the
• the Ratio signal/noise: ≥110dB

the

3.5 mm output

the

the
• Total harmonic distortion+noise:. Less than 0.001% @ 1 kHz
the
• the Ratio signal/noise: ≥112 dB
the
• Capacity: ≥220 mW (32Ω)

the

Balanced output

the

the
• Total harmonic distortion+noise: Less than 0.001% @ 1 kHz
the
• the Ratio signal/noise: ≥115 dB
the
• Capacity: ≥560 mW (32Ω)

Package contents

The Packaging is made in the style of FiiO — box made of thick cardboard with an image of the device, the sticker, so you can check the original amplifier — by the way, all this is familiar to us from other gadgets of this manufacturer. Most importantly — the accessories that are included with the device, and here FiiO have always been pleased with his approach.

the Box is made from two layers

Label, so you can check the originality of the amplifier

Inside another box -black

Is Inside himself and accessories:

the

the
• 2 long silicone coupler to the source
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• 2 short silicone couplers
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• Lightning Cable — micro USB
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• 3.5 mm Cable
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• antenna adapter
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• Screwdriver to replace the amplifiers and a set of spare screws
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• Adapter optical input
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• carrying Case
the
• Silicone rubber for anti-slip

Accessories more than enough

Needless to say that this package is hard to find — and this despite the fact that you always have the opportunity to acquire additional accessories (for a fee, of course) like leather case and an extra cable.

appearance and characteristics

Externally, the device is left practical the same. The device machined from aluminum and the back panel is covered with artificial leather. At the same time the controls (buttons and the volume wheel) easier to use. The back part is detailed by laser, and the rest of the surface — sandblasted. Therefore, the case not only looks cool but also protected from external electromagnetic fields and interference — so the FiiO worn out over quality sound.

the Rear part of the detailed laser

On the right side is the volume control, just below — a button to switch between inputs (USB/line/optical/coaxial). In the middle — four indicators, which show, respectively, the selected entrance.

Right side

The volume control is made qualitatively, has a tight but enjoyable course. Hasn't gone red ring around the power button, fluted handle — designers have tried to keep the original style FiiO.

the volume control is cool

On the left side placed three buttons control playback. The middle button also serves to turn on/off Bluetooth and activating the "pairing". However, the buttons for next/previous track work only with Bluetooth connection.

Buttons next/previous track work only with Bluetooth connection.

Upstairs a whole bunch of buttons and ports: two switch — bass boost and gain, and two jacks — line output, and combined input line/optics/coax. It is possible to switch between low and high gain levels, depending on how much power you want your headphones. And you can boost or cut the bass to your taste. This is no different from the Q5. But the bottom placed headphone output 3.5 mm charging port micro-USB (why not Type-C — it is unclear), and two balanced output — 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm. by the Way, the device is certified by MFi, and we know that this program is extremely strict, and only 2% of all devices, applying for the certificate, get it. So the amp is compatible with all versions of iOS (no wonder that even the cable special put).

Switches placed on the upper end.

All other ports — below

If the buttons on the amplifier will not be enough, you can always download the mobile application FiiO Music, where you can change the balance of channels, to swap the function of the USB ports, choose a digital filter, and more.

App FiiO Music

There is a built-in equalizer

To Control the device very easy, though unusual without additional screen (though, wait, why is the DAC-amp?). The buttons feel good and are pleasant to touch. With regard to Autonomous mode DAC through any of the inputs Q5s works about 8 hours, and in booster mode — more than 25 hours.

Bluetooth 5.0 and Qualcomm CSR8675 provided support aptx-HD. In addition, the Bluetooth capabilities can be expanded via firmware. The signal is good, 10-15 meters without interference can withstand without problems.

the Bluetooth Connection is fast

Sound

We have tested this device with headphones FiiO F9 Pro, JBL Tune 120TWC Campfire Audio and Polaris, as well as with a couple of models from Audio-Technica. The source spoke iPhone 6 and MacBook Pro 2012. Many in the editorial noted that the FiiO Q5s has a neutral sonic flow, but only if used amplification module and do not include, for example, additional bass boost. Then, of course, the emphasis will be on low frequencies, which is very good for genres like hip-hop and pop music.

paired with the FiiO F9 Pro works great.

Bluetooth device works well, and through the use of aptX HD get a really decent sound. Yeah, he's still not the same as on the wire, and many experienced audiophiles will immediately feel the difference, but for most the loss of quality will be completely invisible: the digital signal is fed directly to the DAC, bypassing the decoder built into the Qualcomm chip.

through the use of aptX HD get a really decent sound

MIDs good quantitatively, especially if they write a good fantasy scene. Vocal compositions and soul-jazz — probably the perfect companions FiiO and headphones like the FiiO F9 Pro. With them that Michael Kiwanuka sounded to me quite differently.

The Upper frequencies are crystal clear: they have a nice resolution, there is no emptiness. The feeling that the sound is like a "layered" for a natural presentation is what you need.

As we have seen, to use this DAC-amp can be almost any headphone — from the representatives of the budget segment from JBL themselves to the FiiO family Campfire Audio (I really wanted to hear from Andromeda did not work). The only — the device is very critical to the sound material. So if you tend to monitor flow, rate this gadget appreciated: if not, you will need to choose the music very carefully. But this is, again, an audiophile "habits", because most of these subtleties will not notice and will just catch a buzz from using a quality product, which not only collected cool, but also sounds 10 out of 10.

the Device is very sensitive to source material

As I said, to me this device remember work with jazz. In contrast to the same of Benjamin Clementine, who miraculously arrived in London and found myself in the music then, Michael Kiwanuka was fond of music since high school and studied jazz at the Royal Academy of Music. Therefore, so far in his songs, you can find a jazz emphasis, take the song "Love & Hate". Well here everything from the first chords to a mixture of gospel, jazz and Blues.

Of Course, I could not not test it and bass, so he turned to composition The Weeknd — Lost in Fire.The canadian, who, despite a love of auto-tune, shows his track deep and rich bass, became a very good companion Saturday night. It was then able to connect to the Audio amplifier Campfire Polaris.

Conclusion

Stylish lighting adds a premium

Three main components: price, appearance, convenience and sound — traditionally you have to choose two. Obviously, in this case it is not. As for the sound — it matches the price, that is, of course, he's better than the vast majority of the built-in sound chips, it has such disadvantages that the ordinary listener will be hidden for many years. For the sake of justice it is worth noting that devices similar to the disadvantages of not having — are significantly more expensive. What first comes to mind when the words "budget DAC and headphone amplifier"? Most of all — the FiiO products (OK, even iBasso). And the model proves that not in vain.